Kota Kinabalu: Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) priority is maintaining a cordial and stable relationship with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) while continuing its existing cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN) ahead of the imminent state elections, said PKR Sabah Deputy Chief, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
Mustapha said discussions with GRS have already begun, informally, with both sides showing signs of mutual understanding.
“The most important thing is to maintain the cordial relationship between GRS and PKR. We have also declared our cooperation with BN, so we need to manage both relationships strategically to ensure there is enough room for PKR in the seat allocations,” he said.
He said the recent meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in Tawau was “very cordial,” and some consensus was reached on working together.
“We are exploring ways for Pakatan Harapan (PH) and GRS to collaborate effectively in Sabah,” Mustapha added.
GRS had previously emphasised the need to contest the majority of seats in any cooperation, but Mustapha said this condition would be discussed further.
“That is the basic rule laid down by our president. What matters most is protecting the central government, and unity in Sabah should reflect the unity we have at the federal level,” he said, referring to the concept of a unity government.
Mustapha declined to state the number of seats PKR would contest, saying it would be decided collectively and announced at a later date.
He also confirmed that incumbent candidates may be retained, subject to party discussions.
On the possibility of collaborating with Warisan Sabah, Mustapha confirmed no discussions have been held with the party so far.
